Teatro Romano di Lecce (Lecce Roman Theatre), Lecce
The Roman Theatre of Lecce (not the Amphitheatre) was uncovered by accident while excavating the gardens of the D'Arpe Palace (Palazzo D'Arpe) and Roman Palace (Palazzo Romano) in 1929. It is thought that Octavian, not yet Emperor Augustus, had found safety in Lupiae (ancient Lecce). Feeling gratitude to the city, he ordered the construction of both theaters.
The caveat for the audience is divided into six wedges. Each wedge has twelve steps. The area of the orchestra, reserved for the choir, is reached by a narrow gallery. Before the orchestra, there are three steps of white limestone for reserved seating. Behind the steps is a low wall, and behind the orchestra is the stage.
Fragments of decoration might belong to the Augustan period. The marble statues found might date from the time of the Antonines, between 138 and 182 AD. Not as large as the Amphitheatre, the Roman Theatre is believed to have had a capacity for 5,000 theatre-goers. It featured comedies and tragedies, but no wild extravaganzas.
The caveat for the audience is divided into six wedges. Each wedge has twelve steps. The area of the orchestra, reserved for the choir, is reached by a narrow gallery. Before the orchestra, there are three steps of white limestone for reserved seating. Behind the steps is a low wall, and behind the orchestra is the stage.
Fragments of decoration might belong to the Augustan period. The marble statues found might date from the time of the Antonines, between 138 and 182 AD. Not as large as the Amphitheatre, the Roman Theatre is believed to have had a capacity for 5,000 theatre-goers. It featured comedies and tragedies, but no wild extravaganzas.
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Teatro Romano di Lecce (Lecce Roman Theatre) on Map
Sight Name: Teatro Romano di Lecce (Lecce Roman Theatre)
Sight Location: Lecce, Italy (See walking tours in Lecce)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Lecce, Italy (See walking tours in Lecce)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Lecce, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Lecce
Creating your own self-guided walk in Lecce is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Lecce's Baroque Churches Walking Tour
Often defined as the “Capital of Baroque” – an artistic trend born in Italy in the 17th century, the town of Lecce has this signature style present in most of the buildings throughout its historic center. Characterized by elaborate facades and the extensive use of local stone known as "pietra leccese", Lecce's Baroque architecture reached its pinnacle in the form of churches,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Lecce Introduction Walking Tour
The beginning of Lecce is a legend. According to the story, a town existed close to the location of today's Lecce, dating from the Trojan Wars. The town was taken by Romans in the 3rd century BC. They called it "Lupiae." The Roman Emperor Hadrian didn't like the location, so he moved it 2 miles to the northeast. Lecce had a theatre and an amphitheater which can be partially... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles